Our purpose
Business creates opportunities for people to work together, understand different perspectives and build shared interests. UECN connects businesses across China and the UAE to encourage cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to peace.
Discover Our MissionBelgian firm Banqup Group has developed and will operate the Peppol Corner 5 access point for the UAE Federal Tax Authority. The node will validate invoice tax data under the Ministry of Finance's mandatory e-invoicing system starting in 2027.
The UAE Ministry of Finance has updated the scope of Economic Substance Regulations under Cabinet Decision No. 98 of 2024. Companies are no longer required to file annual ESR notifications or reports for financial years ending after December 31, 2022. Free zone businesses seeking a 0% corporate tax rate must still demonstrate adequate substance.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority is enacting tighter VAT regulations effective October 1. Tax authorities now hold the power to deny VAT refund claims if transactions are linked to tax evasion across the supply chain under a 'should have known' standard.
Yemen's Houthi rebels have expanded territorial control along the Red Sea coast using weapons assembled with Iranian training and imported commercial parts from China, according to media reports cited by Chosunbiz. The military expansion has impacted critical maritime transit routes, contributing to volatility in global oil prices. Intercepted cargo shipments inspected in July reportedly contained commercial dual-use components adaptable for missile and drone manufacturing.
Mercedes-backed Chinese autonomous driving startup Momenta plans to expand its robotaxi fleet from over 100 vehicles today to several thousand by the end of next year. The company is currently testing vehicles in Abu Dhabi and Munich, with Dubai scheduled as its next deployment market. To cut costs, Momenta is working with XHeart on custom computing chips as an alternative to Nvidia hardware.
Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies
Saudi Arabia's central bank ended its participation in the mBridge multi-CBDC platform after finishing a proof of concept in May 2025, according to an analysis published by the South China Morning Post citing the Financial Times. The project continues with participants including mainland China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the UAE, alongside the recent activation of the Monetary Authority of Macao. The author argues that payment diversification reflects practical settlement efficiency rather than an outright abandonment of the US dollar.
Artificial intelligence adoption among UAE businesses increased to 72% in 2026, up from 53% in 2025, according to a joint study by the UAE Artificial Intelligence Office and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Developed by research firm Strand Partners, the report found that 85% of adopting companies experienced accelerated digital transformation. Cloud infrastructure investments continue to support the expansion, including AWS's planned AED 20.1 billion investment in the country through 2037.
UAE fuel prices will increase for the third consecutive month in October 2026 amid elevated global oil benchmark prices. Super 98 will rise to Dh4.40 per litre and Special 95 will increase to Dh4.28 per litre. Diesel will also rise by 11.6 per cent to Dh4.80 per litre.
Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.
More than 2,800 exhibitors participated in the Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai, where the "Nihao! China" pavilion facilitated business negotiations between Chinese and foreign tourism entities. Data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism shows Dubai welcomed 6.97 million international overnight visitors in the first eight months of 2026, with August recording 869,000 visitors. Dubai tourism officials are strengthening partnerships with Chinese digital platforms, including Ctrip, Xiaohongshu, and Meituan, to encourage the return of Chinese travelers.
Chinese autonomous driving company Momenta Global plans to expand its robotaxi fleet to several thousand vehicles next year, targeting deployments in Dubai and additional European cities. The company is currently testing autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi, Munich, and five cities in China. Momenta is also collaborating with chipmaker XHeart on custom computing hardware to lower deployment costs.
Chinese autonomous-driving company Momenta is preparing to introduce robotaxis in Dubai in 2027 as part of an international rollout. The Mercedes-Benz-backed firm aims to expand its operating fleet from just over 100 vehicles to several thousand by the end of 2027. Momenta is already conducting autonomous vehicle testing in Abu Dhabi, Munich, and five Chinese cities.
Shanghai Robbyant Technology has signed a framework cooperation memorandum with the Arab Federation for Digital Economy at the Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou. The agreement establishes a mechanism to advance full-stack embodied artificial intelligence and robotics deployment across the UAE, GCC, and Middle East. Planned commercial applications span logistics, hospitality, retail, real estate, healthcare, and smart cities.
Explore the industries creating new opportunities for cooperation across both markets.
Finance & Investment
Aldar and Sharjah-based developer Arada have partnered on housing and mixed-use projects in Abu Dhabi valued at approximately Dh15 billion ($4 billion). The agreement includes a joint venture master community at Seih Sdeirah and Arada's acquisition of three residential plots on Yas Island. The deal marks Arada's first development presence in the Abu Dhabi market.
Consumer Markets & Tourism
The UAE Federal Supreme Court has ruled that documenting suspected violations and submitting footage to regulatory authorities is not a criminal offence if done in good faith. The judgment overturned an appeal court ruling that had fined a Sharjah consumer Dh3,000 for filming insects in a supermarket product. The court clarified that prosecutors must prove malicious intent to harm or defame before recording can be classified as a crime.
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Expatriate health insurance regulations and employer mandates vary widely across the UAE, according to a report by NRI Affairs. Abu Dhabi requires employers to insure an employee's spouse and up to three children, whereas Dubai requires coverage only for the employee, and the Northern Emirates basic scheme excludes dental and maternity entirely.
Consumer Markets & Tourism
A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a pilot stabbed the captain and attempted to sabotage the aircraft mid-air. Passengers and crew subdued the attacker before the plane landed, and Saudi authorities placed the suspect under arrest. Flydubai confirmed all passengers were safe, while the Israel Airports Authority set up an information center for families.
Stay informed about official travel advisories, entry restrictions and transport disruptions across the Middle East.
Emergency / health travel notice
Flydubai flight FZ1073 / Tabuk Airport, Saudi Arabia
Flight cancellation / route change
Dubai–Tel Aviv flight route / Tabuk Airport
Emergency / health travel notice
Tabuk Airport, Saudi Arabia / Dubai-Tel Aviv route
Flight cancellation / route change
Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf International Airport
Alerts are based on official sources and show when they were last verified. Always follow the guidance of the official authorities. The absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.
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